Atopic eczema (dermatitis); It is a recurrent skin disease that manifests itself with skin dryness, rash and itching, with occasional flare-ups and improvements, and is more common in young children. Most individuals with atopic eczema have a personal or family history of allergic diseases such as allergic asthma and hay fever.
Why does Atopic Eczema/Dermatitis occur?
The cause is not exactly known. It is an extreme reaction of the skin's immune system to environmental and emotional factors. With the deterioration of the protective barrier feature of the skin, inflammation and an increased allergic response occur.
Is Atopic Eczema/Dermatitis Contagious?
Atopic eczema is not an infectious disease.
Atopic Is Eczema/Dermatitis a hereditary disease?
Atopic eczema is more common in people with a family history of atopic eczema, asthma and hay fever. Asthma and hay fever may occur in 1/3 of children with atopic dermatitis in the future.
What are the symptoms of Atopic Eczema/Dermatitis?
Dry skin and intense itching are the most important symptoms of the disease. Especially disruption of sleep patterns and fatigue due to itching may cause attention problems in patients' school and work lives. Recurrent skin rash, which can be in the form of dry, red, dandruff or oozing lesions, occurs in different areas and characteristics depending on the age of the patient.
Can Atopic Eczema/Dermatitis symptoms occur in different areas depending on age?
• In infants and young children, disease symptoms usually appear on the face, elbows or inner parts of the knees, but can also be seen in other areas of the body.
• In older children and adults, they usually appear on the hands, neck, inner surface of the elbows, behind the knees and It affects the ankle.
Can Atopic Eczema/Dermatitis occur with other diseases?
• Asthma and hay fever
• Recurrent infections caused by herpes virus and some bacteria
• Eye problems: Such as conjunctivitis, cataracts
• It may be accompanied by conditions such as recurrent hand eczema.
How is Atopic Eczema/Dermatitis diagnosed?
The diagnosis of atopic eczema is made by clinical signs and symptoms. No laboratory tests are used to diagnose atopic eczema. There is no need for a laboratory examination.
Are there factors that cause the disease to flare?
Since the following factors may cause the disease to flare, it is recommended to stay away from such situations. These; increased skin dryness (causes such as long-term and hot baths), scratching, infections caused by bacteria and viruses, emotional stress, sweating, temperature and climate changes, cleaners, soaps, detergents, woolen clothes, covers, dust and plant pollens, smoking, baby and egg, milk, peanut, soybean, fish, wheat allergies and contact with animal hair in children.
What should be taken into consideration in the treatment of Atopic Eczema/Dermatitis?
Because the disease is chronic and recurrent. The most important step of treatment is to stay away from factors that exacerbate the disease. Unfortunately, current treatments cannot prevent the disease from recurring. Therefore, the best way to control the disease is to stay away from exacerbating factors while applying the treatment your doctor has prepared for you.
What are the drugs used in the treatment?
Treatment is determined according to the prevalence and severity of the disease. Moisturizers to be used superficially, cortisone creams, other creams that reduce inflammation, anti-itch medications, ultraviolet light treatments, and drugs that suppress the defense system can be used.
How do moisturizers work?
Moisturizers; It should be used every day to prevent skin dryness. It is more appropriate to choose an odorless and colorless product
How are cortisone drugs used?
Cortisone creams/ointments; They control redness and itching during the active phase of eczema. Your doctor decides where and for how long the creams will be used. When cortisone creams are used together with moisturizers, the effect increases significantly and the risk of side effects decreases.
Are there any other creams that reduce inflammation?
On a regional basis, drugs containing Tacrolimus and Pimecrolimus reduce redness and inflammation. They do not cause thinning of the skin. The method of use is determined by the dermatologist. The most common side effects are burning and stinging sensations. They may increase the risk of skin infection. Avoid long-term applications to places exposed to sunlight. They should be avoided and should not be used simultaneously with ultraviolet light therapy.
What are the other treatment methods?
Anti-itching drugs and ultraviolet light treatments are applied in hospital conditions in cases where eczema is common. In more severe eczema, immunosuppressive drugs such as azathioprine and cyclosporine can be used. These treatments also have side effects and patients need to be monitored with regular blood tests and examination.
Is there a place for Herbal Treatments?
It is an alternative treatment option that can be effective. However, their use is not recommended since their ingredients and side effects are not fully known. They can cause liver problems.
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